1[By David.] O LORD, I call to you. O my rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. If you remain silent, I will be like those who go into the pit.

2Hear my prayer for mercy when I call to you for help, when I lift my hands toward your most holy place.

3Do not drag me away with wicked people, with troublemakers who speak of peace with their neighbors but have evil in their hearts.

4Pay them back for what they have done, for their evil deeds. Pay them back for what their hands have done, and give them what they deserve.

5The LORD will tear them down and never build them up again, because they never consider what he has done or what his hands have made.

6Thank the LORD! He has heard my prayer for mercy!

7The LORD is my strength and my shield. My heart trusted him, so I received help. My heart is triumphant; I give thanks to him with my song.

8The LORD is the strength of his people and a fortress for the victory of his Messiah.

9Save your people, and bless those who belong to you. Be their shepherd, and carry them forever.